Standing at a towering 205cm, 20-year-old Tim English has all of the attributes desired of a ruckman in the modern game –  he is mobile, and clean with his hands, with the ability to cover the ground and rack up possessions.

Rewind 12 months and the West Australian was preparing for the NAB AFL Draft, with his playing destiny out of his hands.

“I remember being really, really nervous. That was one thing that sort of got me,” English told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“Being in Sydney for the Draft I remember sitting there with Mum and Dad.

“It’s such a weird situation because you have no idea what’s happening and you have no control over it.  

“Being able to play football as a job is something I’ve wanted to do since I was quite young.”

English was the Bulldogs' first pick in 2016, taken at pick number 19, and recruited from the South Fremantle Football Club.

He made his debut in Round 10 against St Kilda in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, playing across the field in multiple positions.

“It was unreal being able to debut in the seniors. I was lucky enough for it to be in Indigenous Round as well so it made it that little bit more significant,” English said.

“Once you get that little taste of that senior level you just want to keep driving and become a regular in that team and play at that level every week.”

In a steady year of development, English played 15 games in the VFL, averaging 18 hit outs, 13 disposals, three tackles and four marks per game. This consistency earned English a contract extension before he'd even played a senior game.

Having undergone hip surgery in September, English has been given a modified training program but looks likely to hit the training track running as early as next week.

“Obviously going through the VFL as well, that was another step up for me. That previous year in the WAFL, I only played one league match, so being able to compete against those senior bodies for 15 (matches) in the VFL was also another thing that has helped my development so far.”

From Pingelly in country WA, English has adjusted to life in Melbourne.

“I really like it over here. I’ve moved into my own place and got the hang of cooking and washing and all of that sort of stuff for myself. I've been able to get to know a few different ways to training now, which is good, so I can avoid a bit of traffic.

“Just being able to know my way around and feel a bit more comfortable here is a big thing. I’m really looking forward to this year.”